The team behind Overwatch 2 aimed at a distinct audience when showcasing a new skin for Kiriko.
On October 15, Season 13 of the popular game Overwatch 2 debuted, aptly named “Spellbinder.”Players can look forward to a host of exciting new features in this update, including the Junkenstein’s Laboratory Game Mode, a collaboration with My Hero Academia, fresh Halloween-themed skins for various character models, and much more.
Prepare for an enchanting experience in Season 13: Spellbinder 🌟 Mythic Spellbinder Widowmaker 💜 Junkenstein’s Laboratory Game Mode 🎃 My Hero Academia Collaboration ✨ And a treasure trove more! The spooky fun kicks off on Oct 15 🎉 pic.twitter.com/LE83TokoUF
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) October 10, 2024
Leading up to this update, Overwatch 2 utilized its social media platform to unveil a new skin for Support character Yatagarasu Kiriko. While it’s common for companies to reveal new features and tap into popular trends, the approach Overwatch 2 employed has sparked a variety of reactions.
The Unique Promotion of Kiriko’s New Skin by ‘Overwatch 2’
Before the launch of the update, the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Overwatch 2 posted a video to showcase Kiriko’s new skin. The clip starts by displaying the skin completely before dramatically focusing on her feet. The remainder of the video spotlights her feet and striking purple toenails as she moves about.
In the accompanying caption, they referred to Kiriko’s feet as “grippers” and invited fans to express their enthusiasm for the skin with a foot emoji.
Yatagarasu Kiriko has GRIPPERS??? 🦶 Drop a 🙌 if you’re excited for Kiriko’s new skin in Season 13 ✨ pic.twitter.com/4TaxbdfVyk
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) October 16, 2024
For context, Kiriko’s standard appearance is markedly different from this particular skin. Her original design features her garbed as a miko, the traditional outfit for Shinto shrine maidens, infused with elements of modern streetwear.
Fans React to ‘Overwatch 2’s’ Unconventional Promotion of Kiriko’s Skin
The reception to the skin reveal was quite varied. Some users found the video amusing and claimed it heightened their anticipation for the skin’s launch. Conversely, others expressed discontent with the tweet but acknowledged the clever attempt to engage gamers who have a proclivity for female characters.
IM SO HYPED pic.twitter.com/qf93l6UXVk
— M1das (@M1das_OW2) October 16, 2024
They tweeted this one late night for a reason trying to capitalize on the down bad market. I respect the hustle
— Carver Fisher (@carver_fisher) October 16, 2024
Nevertheless, a significant portion of the audience found the tweet to be quite unsettling. Many users questioned the motives behind the promotion while others implored the account’s admin to remove the tweet. A number of responses labeled the tweet as “disturbing,”arguing that it tarnished the Overwatch reputation.
oh brother fire the entire marketing team pic.twitter.com/3jV6CD2QDV
— D3NNI (@D3NNI_yt) October 16, 2024
SLANDERING THE NAME OF OVERWATCH WITH TS
— Tayto (@Tatejimaa) October 16, 2024
delete this right now
— Master Ian Gamer (@masteriangamer) October 16, 2024
It is easy to see why many found the tweet unsettling. Although it aimed to engage users through the “grippers” meme, it appeared as if Overwatch 2 was catering to a niche foot fetish demographic. Considering the vast community surrounding Overwatch 2, which boasts countless dedicated players, there are surely more appropriate methods to unveil new features.
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